2021: Art & (re)Conciliation - Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre
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2021: Art &
(re)Conciliation
MAR 18 -21
SPONSORED BY
MESSAGE FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
I am so pleased to welcome you to the inaugural
Bridge Festival. This Festival of Ideas aims to
provoke a conversation, and to build under-
standing and a collective commitment to confront
the pertinent issues of our time. Envisioned as a
gathering place where we can exchange ideas with
great artists, thinkers and audiences The Bridge
is about forging relationships to carve a path
forward through common purpose.
I moved to Treaty 1 Territory in early 2019 to
become the Artistic Director of Royal MTC and to
this day I continue to be amazed at the powerful
Kelly Thornton
energy of this place where the muddy waters
converge. As Winnipeg means muddy waters. It is no surprise to me that this is also
the home to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. As a third-generation
settler, I am hopeful because the truth is finally being told as openly to my child as it
was shielded from me, growing up. We know how fraught this word ‘reconciliation’ is
and that it is empty without all of us confronting the great harms that colonization has
inflicted upon the First Peoples. This is the truth, and we must own it.
While we cannot gather in person, this digital edition is an assembly of some of
the most exciting Indigenous artists in the land. My deepest gratitude goes to Kim
Wheeler who lovingly curated the festival and brought together this remarkable
line-up to grapple with the concept of Art and (re)Conciliation. Art has always been a
conduit for change and the powerful voices that have joined this conversation in The
Bridge are pushing this truth forward. I am so very humbled to listen and learn from
them this week.
Thank-you so much for joining us.
2 THE BRIDGE: A FESTIVAL OF IDEAS
MESSAGE FROM THE CURATOR
The land the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre
sits on is the traditional gathering place of the
Anishinaabe, Néhiyaw (Cree) and Oyate (Dakota)
and the home of the Métis. Winnipeg has become
a centre of Indigenous arts in Canada, so it makes
sense Royal MTC has chosen to honour Indigenous
artists by making space for us at the inaugural
festival of The Bridge: A Festival of Ideas.
The theme of this 2021 digital edition of The
Bridge is Art & (re)Conciliation. Reconciliation has
become a loaded term and has generated a lot
of conversations among Indigenous peoples. But
Kim Wheeler
reconciliation isn’t up to us. It is up to non-Indige-
nous people to conciliate their feelings and teachings of Indigenous people. Artistic
Director Kelly Thornton has taken those first steps for Royal MTC in making space.
And the Indigenous arts community has answered their invite.
We have so many incredibly talented and driven people who have embraced the arts
as their calling: actors, writers, musicians, fine artists, producers, directors, poets,
journalists and many others from all entertainment sectors.
To be able to offer a platform to help elevate their voices is a great honour for me.
As a journalist, my personal mandate has always been to bring positive Indigenous
stories to the media and masses. Curating The Bridge: Art & (re)Conciliation has been
the culmination of 28 years of covering the Indigenous arts community.
I’ve built bridges and friendships that have helped me engage the artists you will see
during The Bridge – all who have offered up their time with zero hesitation and for
that I am truly grateful.
Kim Wheeler
2021: ART & (RE)CONCILIATION 3
Art &
20
(re)Conciliation
21
Schedule
THURSDAY, MARCH 18
10-
10:15am Opening Prayer with Elders Barb Nepinak and Clarence Nepinak
Land Acknowledgement
Welcoming Message with Kim Wheeler
10:15-
11:15am Panel: Theatre Matriarchs
1pm In Conversation with Rosanna Deerchild: Tomson Highway
FRIDAY, MARCH 19
10am Panel: From Script to Stage
1pm In Conversation with Rosanna Deerchild: Jesse Wente
7pm Excerpts from the Stage
The Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre is proud to call Manitoba home. Royal MTC is located
in Winnipeg on Treaty 1 land, the traditional territory of the Ininew, Anishinaabe and Oyate
(Dakota) peoples, and the homeland of the Métis Nation. We are thankful for the benefits
sharing this land has afforded us, and we are committed to the responsibilities of the Treaty.
Hiy Hiy, Miigwetch, Wopida and Maarsii.
4 THE BRIDGE: A FESTIVAL OF IDEAS
SATURDAY, MARCH 20
10am Panel: Dance Ogichidas
In Conversation with Rosanna Deerchild:
12pm
Dr. Heather Igloliorte/Dr. Julie Nagam
Keynote Speech with Senator Murray Sinclair
2pm
and Dr. Niigaanwewidam Sinclair
7pm Music of the Land
SUNDAY, MARCH 21
10am Panel: Acimowin (To tell story)
12pm In Conversation with Rosanna Deerchild: Kent Monkman
2pm Livestreamed Production: Isitwendam (An Understanding) – see pg. 30
MARCH 18-21
A Mile in our Moccasins Walking Tour
2021: ART & (RE)CONCILIATION 5
Keynote Speech
SENATOR MURRAY SINCLAIR AND DR. NIIGAANWEWIDAM SINCLAIR
Saturday, March 20 at 2pm
Imagine being at a family dinner with Senator Murray Sinclair and his award-
winning columnist son Dr. Niigaanwewidam Sinclair. What would that conversation
sound like? In 2015, when Justice Sinclair was Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission, the TRC delivered its final report. Since then conversations have
swirled but what has actually been accomplished? Senator Sinclair and Dr. Sinclair
reflect on how art can push a conversation forward and what needs to be done to
conciliate the country.
6 THE BRIDGE: A FESTIVAL OF IDEAS
In Conversation
With...
Your favourite cousin Rosanna Deerchild brings her 25-year career of asking ques-
tions and listening intently to extended conversations with some of the top thinkers,
artists and visionaries in Canada. Join Rosanna as she delves into the lives and
thoughts of visual artist Kent Monkman; Jesse Wente, chair of the Canada Council
and executive director of the Indigenous Screen Office; Dr. Julie Nagam and Dr.
Heather Igloliorte, co-chairs of the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s Indigenous Advisory
Circle; and beloved playwright Tomson Highway.
Thursday, March 18 at 1pm Friday, March 19 at 1pm
GUEST GUEST
Tomson Highway Jesse Wente
Sunday, March 21 at 12pm
GUEST
Kent Monkman
Saturday, March 20 at 12pm
GUESTS
Dr. Heather Igloliorte and Dr. Julie Nagam
2021: ART & (RE)CONCILIATION 7
Panels
THEATRE MATRIARCHS
Thursday, March 18 at 10:15am
The women on this panel discussion have kicked down doors to tread the boards
at theatres across Turtle Island (also known as North America). The moderator
for Theatre Matriarchs is Frances Koncan. Her play Women of the Fur Trade was
performed at Royal MTC Warehouse last season. She is joined by some of her
sheroes to talk about the struggles and triumphs of being Indigenous kwe in Canadian
theatre: Columpa Bobb, Margo Kane, Monique Mojica and Tracey Nepinak!
PANELISTS
Columpa Margo Monique Tracey
Bobb Kane Mojica Nepinak
MODERATOR
Frances Koncan
FROM SCRIPT TO STAGE
Friday, March 19 at 10am
Join award-winning playwright Ian Ross (fareWel) for a conversation with some of
Canada’s most influential and thought-provoking playwrights. Kenneth T. Williams
(Thunderstick), Kevin Loring (Where the Blood Mixes), Tara Beagan (Deer Woman)
and Marie Clements (The Unnatural and Accidental Women) join Ian to talk about
taking an idea and watching it grow from the page to the stage. Together they have
written over 70 plays, have been the recipients of several prestigious awards and
continue to add to the cultural conversation with their words.
PANELISTS
Tara Marie Kevin Kenneth T.
Beagan Clements Loring Williams
MODERATOR
Ian Ross
8 THE BRIDGE: A FESTIVAL OF IDEAS
DANCE OGICHIDAS
Saturday, March 20 at 10am
Step into the world of Indigenous dance and find out what it takes to tell a story
through movement. Their combination of skills have seen these movers and shakers
perform on stages around the world. Moderator Sandra Laronde, an arts leader for
three decades, is joined by Santee Smith, Founding and Managing Artistic Director
of Kaha:wi Dance Theatre; Buffy Handel, founder of Aboriginal School of Dance;
and Waawaate Fobister, a force of contemporary and traditional dance.
PANELISTS
Waawaate Buffy Santee
Fobister Handel Smith
MODERATOR
Sandra Laronde
ACIMOWIN (TO TELL STORY)
Sunday, March 21 at 10am
Traditionally, the winter season was the time for story. But with book publishing,
stories remain year-round and Indigenous storytellers are at an all-time high. So why
are there so many books hitting the shelves now? Award-winning Winnipeg authors
Katherena Vermette, David A. Robertson, Tasha Spillett-Sumner and Brett Huson join
author and moderator Michael Hutchinson to share why they’re part of a growth in
Indigenous literature, and why each of these authors picked up the pen to tell a story.
PANELISTS
Brett David A. Tasha Katherena
Huson Robertson Spillett-Sumner Vermette
MODERATOR
Michael Hutchinson
2021: ART & (RE)CONCILIATION 9Play Excerpts,
Music & Art
EXCERPTS FROM THE STAGE
Friday, March 19 at 7pm
Falen Johnson hosts this evening of excerpts from one-person plays from actors and
playwrights who have challenged us to look at the Indigenous world from different
viewpoints. Darrell Dennis, star of TV, radio and stage, brings an excerpt from his
play Tales of an Urban Indian. Acclaimed actor Cheri Maracle performs an excerpt
from Paddle Song, a one-woman play by Dinah Christie and Tom Hill about Mohawk
great E. Pauline Johnson; and Michelle Thrush, best known for her role in APTN’s
Blackstone, brings out her Inner Elder.
GUESTS
Darrell Cheri Michelle
Dennis Maracle Thrush
HOST
Falen Johnson
10 THE BRIDGE: A FESTIVAL OF IDEASMUSIC OF THE LAND
Saturday, March 20 at 7pm
The Indigenous Music Awards presents a night of musical guests from their
Performance Series. Hosted by David McLeod, the general manager of NCI-FM and
the producer of the Indigenous Music Countdown, his love of music shines through
in his enthusiasm for Indigenous musicians. You will learn what Indigenous music
really is. (Hint: It’s not one musical genre.) There will be something for everyone
from country to rock to blues.
GUESTS
Don Ila The Johnnys Murray
Amero Barker Porter
HOST
David McLeod
A MILE IN OUR MOCCASINS
March 18 – 21
From the warmth and comfort of your own home, join us on a walking tour of
Indigenous public art installations and murals in Winnipeg any time during the
festival. Multi-disciplinary, award-winning artist KC Adams and Jaimie Isaac, the
curator of WAG’s Indigenous and Contemporary Art, invite you to take a stroll
with them as they discuss the importance of public art spaces while also sharing
the stories and the meanings behind each piece. And they may just have a special
surprise in store!
HOST HOST
KC Adams Jaimie Isaac
2021: ART & (RE)CONCILIATION 11PARTICIPANTS
and Métis heritage, hopes to continue
KC Adams the work being done when it comes to
A Mile in Our building bridges between all communities
Moccasins – Host in Canada. With uplifting beauty across
seven albums, Amero creates a lasting
impression, with an artistic focus in making
music that he hopes will be medicine for
Winnipeg-based artist KC Adams graduat- others. donamero.ca
ed from Concordia University with a BFA.
She has been in numerous solo exhibitions, Ila Barker
group exhibitions, three biennales and
many residencies including the National Music of the Land
Museum of the American Indian in New – Guest
York. Her work is in many permanent
collections nationally and internationally.
Twenty pieces from the Cyborg Hybrid
series are in the permanent collection With soul and voice as smooth as warm
of the National Art Gallery in Ottawa honey, singer-songwriter Ila Barker
and her installation Birch Bark Ltd is in captures audiences with her sweet
the collection of the Canadian Consulate melodies and dynamic presence. Ila is of
of Australia, NSW. She helped design mixed Anishinaabe and settler heritage
a 30-foot public art sculpture called with roots running deep in the Manitoban
Niimamaa. Adams was awarded the prairies. Her craft is seasoned with rich
Winnipeg Arts Council’s Making A Mark history and powerful refined textures.
Award and her book Perception: A Photo Coming from a long line of storytellers,
Series was one of Quill and Quire’s 2019 she fuses authentic and timeless notes
Books of the Year. creating moments of serenity and blissful
escape. In February of 2020 Ila released
a single called “Let Go.” Atmospheric and
Don Amero stripped down, this collaboration with UK
Music of the Land based artist Milan André was recorded off
– Guest the floor in one take in the northern Cree
nation of Nemaska, Quebec. “Let Go”
landed on the National Indigenous Music
Countdown, and climbed up the charts for
An engaging storyteller, singer-songwriter three months straight hitting the top 15.
and performer, three-time JUNO Award Currently Ila is in the planning stages of a
nominee Don Amero has been tirelessly future release.
touring, performing and speaking across
Canada for the last decade, earning the
respect and attention of the Canadian
music industry and fans alike. With a
proven ability to effortlessly and genuinely
connect with his audience, his talents have
been much sought after, and in early 2019
he became a part of the MDM Recordings
Inc. roster. Don has also been recognized
for this work as an amplifier of Indigenous
thought and ideas. Amero, who is of Cree
12 THE BRIDGE: A FESTIVAL OF IDEASPARTICIPANTS
a behind-the-scenes film guided by Cree
Tara Beagan playwright Tomson Highway, highlights
From Script to Stage Rachel’s expertise as a director.
– Panelist
Ryan Black
Production
Tara Beagan is a Ntlaka’pamux and Irish Coordinator
“Canadian” halfbreed. She is cofounder/
codirector of ARTICLE 11 with Andy Moro.
A11 has worked across Turtle Island, in
Aotearoa, Australia and Scotland, and is Ryan R. Black is mixed blood Saulteaux
based in Mohkinstsis (Calgary.) Beagan (First Nations) and West-Indian/African
served as AD of Native Earth Performing actor, writer, producer, and director who
Arts (Toronto) from Feb 2011 to Dec has been working in the film, television
2013. She’s been in residence at Cahoots and theatre industries for 29 years. As the
(Toronto), NEPA, the National Arts Centre son of Indigenous and immigrant parents,
(Ottawa), Berton House (Dawson City) he has a unique perspective on the devel-
and now at Prairie Theatre Exchange opment of Canadian identity and culture.
(Winnipeg.) Seven of her 32 plays are Passionate and deeply rooted in storytell-
published. Two plays have received Dora ing as a conduit for emotional, spiritual and
nominations, with one win. In 2020 Honour physical health, he has dedicated himself to
Beat won the Gwen Pharis Ringwood helping others find their true potential.
Award and Beagan the Siminovitch Prize
for Drama, playwriting. Columpa Bobb
Theatre Matriarchs
Rachel Beaulieu – Panelist
Editor/Filmmaker
Columpa Bobb has been a theatre prac-
titioner for over 33 years now. She has
Rachel (Anishinaabekwe), the owner of worked across Canada and the globe.
Can Dream Productions, is from Sandy Her work has been seen in Brazil, India,
Bay First Nation in southern Manitoba. Australia, Switzerland and New Zealand.
Rachel has focused her creative energy She is the founding Artistic Director of the
on directing. Her work is influenced by Aboriginal Arts Training and Mentorship
her unique perspective as a First Nations program as well as Urban Indigenous
woman and aims to make space for Theatre Company. Columpa is excited to
creators with a diverse vision. Rachel was be a part of this event.
selected for the Women in the Director’s
Chair, Story and Leadership program
(2020) and NSI IndigiDocs (2020). She
also saw success as her first film, Red
River Roots, debuted at both LA Skins
Fest (Hollywood) and Gimli Film Festival
(2018). Her latest documentary debuted in
December 2019, Songs in the Key of Cree,
14 THE BRIDGE: A FESTIVAL OF IDEASPARTICIPANTS
shared her reflections of growing up in
Marie Clements a racially-divided place. It won the 2009
From Script to Stage Aqua Books Lansdowne Prize for Poetry.
– Panelist Her second book, calling down the sky is
a collaborative work with her mother who
was forced to attend Indian Residential
School. She is also writing her first play
Marie has ignited her brand of artistry with Royal MTC’s Pimootayowin Creators
within a variety of mediums including Circle and her third collection of poetry.
film, TV, radio, and live performance. Her
latest project, the feature drama Red Snow Darrell Dennis
has won Most Popular Canadian Feature
Film at the Vancouver International Film Excerpts from the
Festival, Best Canadian Feature Film at Stage – Guest
the Edmonton International Film Festival;
earned nominations for Best Actor, Best
Supporting Actress, Best Film, and won
the Best Director of a Feature at the 2019 Darrell Dennis is an award winning First
American Indian Film Festival (AIFF) in Nations writer/actor/director/comedian,
San Francisco and Best Achievement in with over 30 years of success in the film,
Film from the LA Skins Festival in Los television, theatre, radio, and comedy
Angeles. Red Snow has recently been industries. Notably, he is an alumnus of the
nominated for 10 Leo Awards and her Sundance Screenwriting Program and was
feature music documentary, The Road the first ever Native cast member in any
Forward, produced by the NFB, premiered of the Second City comedy companies.
at Hot Docs, opened the 2017 DOXA Currently, Darrell is in development with
Documentary Film Festival, closed the CBC for an hour-long drama. He is also a
2018 ImagineNATIVE Film Festival, writer on the CBC developed series Little
receiving five Leo Awards including Bird. Recently, Darrell was the director,
Best Production, Best Director, and Best head writer, and cast member of the
Screenwriter. APTN series The Guilt Free Zone which
was nominated for two Canadian Comedy
Awards. He was also the co-winner of the
Rosanna Deerchild 2019 Just For Laughs: Stand up and Pitch
In Conversation Competition for his TV pilot Big Game.
– Host
Rosanna Deerchild (She/Her) is Cree,
from the community of O-Pipon-Na-Piwin
Cree Nation. She is a storyteller with more
than 20 years’ experience as a journalist,
broadcaster and a poet. Most recently,
she has been heard as the host of CBC
Radio One’s Unreserved for six seasons.
Currently, she is creating a podcast called
This Place, which will focus on Indigenous
history in Canada. Her debut poetry
collection this is a small northern town
2021: ART & (RE)CONCILIATION 15PARTICIPANTS
Waawaate Fobister Buffy Handel
Dance Ogichidas Dance Ogichidas
– Panelist – Panelist
Waawaate Fobister is an actor, dancer, Buffy Handel is a successful award-
playwright, choreographer, instructor and winning entrepreneur, artist, choreogra-
a producer, currently residing in Winnipeg. pher, designer, athlete, educator, author
A proud Anishnaabe from Grassy Narrows and speaker whose vision is strong
First Nation. A recipient of two Dora in purpose. She is the founder of the
awards for outstanding actor and play for Aboriginal School of Dance and has been
Agokwe, Humber College outstanding recognized for her unique approach to
actor, Mark S. Bonham Centre award from the arts and culture. She has mentored
University of Toronto for their advocacy thousands of youth throughout the years
and public knowledge in sexual diversity. based on the theory of applying Native
Waawaate also has many nominations, American traditions to mainstream
including Ontario Premiers’ Award, K.M mannerisms. She has partnered with the
Hunter Award and Sterling Award – Contemporary School of Dance to deliver
Edmonton. Waawaate trained and studied new choreography during the Rite of
Theatre Arts – Performance at Humber Spring while performing live alongside the
College, Indigenous Dance at Banff Centre Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra a total of
for the Arts, Summer School Intensives three times. Buffy has many personalized
at Toronto Dance Theatre, Intensives seminars, workshops and presentations
at Centre for Indigenous Theatre and which are educational and inspirational.
Kaha:wi Dance Theatre. Waawaate has She has 25 years experience in the business
performed in many major theatre compa- world and can conceptualize the balance on
nies across Canada and their work and how one can have a personal and profes-
research has taken them to many places sional life connected without fusing the
as an artist, including Japan, UK, US, two together. With sold out productions
and many coasts across Turtle Island. such as Te’pahkop and Niniim’iwe, Buffy’s
Currently, they are busy, teaching at ability to mentor youth, create musical
MTYP, is commissioned to write a 10-min compositions, design regalia with props
play set to perform at Royal MTC, and is and create business partnerships has
the Curator, Indigenous Programming for lead her to receive the Queen’s Diamond
the Kick & Push Festival. While the world Jubilee Metal and Woman of Distinction
is at a standstill, Waawaate has a couple Award. She takes great pride volunteering
new works that are brewing and is very as the First Nation Pavilion Coordinator
excited to share with you. Stay tuned! for a seven-day festival which has scored a
5.95/6 in the professional deliver catering
to 48,000 people.
16 THE BRIDGE: A FESTIVAL OF IDEASPARTICIPANTS
of his wife Jeri and their children Warren
Tomson Highway and Ruby, Brett endeavours to continue
In Conversation sharing stories with his writing, artwork
– Guest and photography.
Michael Hutchinson
Tomson Highway is a Cree writer and Acimowin (To tell
pianist/songwriter from Northern story) – Moderator
Manitoba. Among many others, his best-
known works are the plays: The Rez Sisters,
Dry Lips Ought Move to Kapuskasing,
and the best-selling novel, Kiss of the Fur Michael Hutchinson is a citizen of the
Queen. He lives in Gatineau, Quebec Misipawistik Cree Nation in Treaty 5 terri-
with his loving partner of 37 years where, tory, north of Winnipeg. As a young adult,
together, they are busy, and very happy he worked as a bartender, a caterer for rock
grandpapas of two angelic young children. concerts and movie shoots, and, eventually,
He is working on a hot new book that will as a print reporter for publications such
be sure to shock the living daylights out of as The Calgary Straight and Aboriginal
the world. You must read it. Times. After being headhunted by the
Indian Claims Commission, Michael moved
from journalism to the communications
Brett Huson side of the desk and worked for the ICC in
Acimowin (To tell Ottawa as a writer. He returned to his home
story) – Panelist province to start a family. Since then, he has
worked as the Director of Communications
for the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs,
and as a project manager for the Treaty
Hetxw’ms Gyetxw, also known as Brett D. Relations Commission of Manitoba, where
Huson (he/him/his), is from the Gitxsan he helped create the “We are all treaty
Nation of the Northwest Interior of British people” campaign. Over seven years ago,
Columbia, Canada. Growing up in this he made mini- documentaries for the first
strong matrilineal society, Brett devel- season of APTN Investigates. Then became
oped a passion for the culture, land, and host of APTN National News and produced
politics of his people, and a desire to share APTN’s sit-down interview show, Face to
their knowledge and stories. Brett has Face, and APTN’s version of Politically
worked in the film and television industry Incorrect, The Laughing Drum. After
for over 13 years and is also a volunteer leaving APTN to return to communications,
board member for such organizations as Michael worked for advocacy organizations
Ka Ni Kanichihk and sakihiwe Festival. like the Assembly of First Nations and the
The award winning series Mothers of Xsan Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak. He is
is Brett’s first series of books and part currently a co-host on CTV Morning Live
of a larger vision he has in sharing the Winnipeg. Michael’s greatest accomplish-
worlds of the Gitxsan Nation. As Brett ments are his two lovely daughters.
continues creating new art and working
on new books, he is also working with the
Prairie Climate Centre at the University
of Winnipeg to connect science and
Indigenous Knowledges. With the support
2021: ART & (RE)CONCILIATION 17PARTICIPANTS
Dr. Heather Jaimie Isaac
Igloliorte A Mile in Our
In Conversation Moccasins – Host
– Guest
Dr. Heather Igloliorte, an Inuk from Jaimie Isaac is the Curator of Indigenous
Nunatsiavut, holds the Tier 1 University and Contemporary Arts at the Winnipeg
Research Chair in Circumpolar Indigenous Art Gallery, an interdisciplinary artist,
Arts and is an associate professor in the and member of Sagkeeng First Nation in
Department of Art History at Concordia Treaty 1 Territory. Isaac holds a degree
University in Montréal, where she directs in Art History from the University of
the SSHRC Partnership Grant, Inuit Winnipeg and a Masters of Arts from
Futures in Arts Leadership and co-di- the University of British Columbia. Isaac
rects the Indigenous Futures Research co-founded of The Ephemerals Collective,
Centre. Her research on Inuit and other which was long-listed for the 2017 and
Indigenous art histories, critical muse- 2019 Sobey Art Award. Jaimie collaborat-
ology and curatorial practice has been ed with an artistic team on a public sculp-
published by Duke University Press, ture at the Forks called Nimama at South
TOPIA, Art Journal, and McGill – Queen’s Point path: Niizhoziibean and collaborated
University Press, among others; she has on a public art project, Cyclical Motion:
co-edited special issues of both PUBLIC Indigenous Art & Placemaking. Recently,
54: Indigenous Art: New Media and the Jaimie received an honouree for Leaders
Digital (2016) and RACAR: Continuities of Tomorrow from the Manitoba Museum
Between Eras: Indigenous Arts (2017). Her 50th Tribute Awards 2020 and was a CBC
essay “Curating Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit: Future 40 Finalist 2020.
Inuit Knowledge in the Qallunaat
Art Museum,” was awarded the 2017
Distinguished Article of the Year from Art
The Johnnys
Journal. Heather has been a curator for Music of the Land
fifteen years; her exhibition SakKijajuk: – Guest
Art and Craft from Nunatsiavut received
an Award of Outstanding Achievement
from the Canadian Museums Association
in 2017. The Johnnys are a high-energy rock’n’roll
band, founded by partners Veronica
Johnny (2Spirit, vocals, guitar) and Dave
Johnny (drums). Veronica’s nehiyaw (Cree)
heritage is reflected in some of the band’s
lyric content, with Indigenous influences
on topics such as the environment, social
justice and political change. The band’s
early recordings are more punk influ-
enced, characterized by fun, up-tempo
songs while later releases have a clas-
sic-rock feel. Their first three albums were
all nominated for national music awards
in Canada, and they’ve been featured
18 THE BRIDGE: A FESTIVAL OF IDEASPARTICIPANTS
in television and film. Songs “Time to
Shine” and “Have a Good Time, All the Margo Kane
Time” both reached #2 on the National Theatre Matriarchs
Aboriginal Music Countdown radio charts. – Panelist
Their fourth album, Leathers & Feathers,
was released in June 2020. The Johnnys
usually perform live as a five- or six-piece
band, with lead guitar, bass and backing Cree-Saulteaux Métis performing artist,
vocalists, delivering rowdy, humour-filled Margo Kane is the Founder and Artistic
performances. Veronica and Dave occa- Managing Director of Full Circle: First
sionally perform as a duo, with Dave on Nations Performance. For over 40 years
bass. The Johnnys are passionate about she has been active as an actor, perform-
Indigenous language revitalization, the ing artist and community cultural worker.
environment, and empowering music proj- Her desire to share artistic performance
ects with youth groups. When not rocking that has meaning for her people is the
the house, Veronica and Dave paint, write, catalyst for her extensive work, trav-
pursue other music projects, and host els and consultation within Indigenous
inspiring workshops for artists, women communities across Canada and abroad.
and youth. Moonlodge, her acclaimed one-woman
show, an Indigenous Canadian classic,
Falen Johnson toured for over 10 years nationally and
internationally. The Sydney Press (AU)
Excerpts from the during The Festival of the Dreaming
Stage – Host praised it as being ‘in the top echelon of
solo performance.’ She developed and runs
the annual Talking Stick Festival celebrating
its 20th Anniversary this coming year and
Falen Johnson is Mohawk and Tuscarora numerous programs including Moccasin
(Bear Clan) from Six Nations Grand River Trek: Arts on the Move!, Indian Acts and
Territory. She is a writer, podcaster, and an Indigenous Ensemble Performing Arts
radio host. Her plays include Salt Baby, Program in Vancouver. She has received
Two Indians, and Ipperwash for which she numerous awards and honours including an
received a Dora nomination. Her writing Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the
has been featured in Brick, The Canadian University of the Fraser Valley, the Order
Theatre Review and Granta Magazine. of Canada from the Governor General and,
She has also written for Urban Native Girl most recently, an International Citation of
(APTN) and Merchants of the Wild (APTN) Merit from ISPA – International Society for
and the 2020 Inspire Awards (CBC) and the Performing Arts.
she was named one to watch in 2020 by
Maclean’s magazine. Falen also hosts the
Secret Life of Canada (CBC Podcasts)
with Leah Simone Bowen and Unreserved
(CBC Radio One).
2021: ART & (RE)CONCILIATION 19PARTICIPANTS
the international presence of Indigenous
Frances Koncan arts. Sandra founded Red Sky Performance
Theatre Matriarchs in 2000, a leading company of contempo-
– Moderator rary Indigenous performance in Canada
and worldwide. Their world stage line-up
includes the Venice Biennale, two Cultural
Olympiads (Beijing and Vancouver), Jacob’s
Frances Koncan (she/they) is a mixed Pillow, World Expo Shanghai, among
Anishinaabe and Slovene writer, director, others. At the same time, she remains
and dramaturg based in Treaty 1 territory committed on a grassroots level in urban,
on the land currently known as Winnipeg. rural, and reserve communities across
Originally from Couchiching First Nation, Turtle Island.For nine robust years, Sandra
she earned her MFA in Playwriting from is the former Director of Indigenous Arts at
the City University of New York Brooklyn the Banff Centre for Arts & Creativity from
College where she developed a passion 2007 – 2016.
for experimental theatre placed as an
oppositional force within contemporary Kevin Loring
western culture, and for drinking very
expensive cocktails. She is currently part From Script to Stage
of the 2021 cohort of the BIPOC Directing – Panelist
Fellowship ThisGen by WhyNot Theatre,
the Associate Director of Outside the
March’s upcoming show The Trojan Girls
and is working on three play commissions. Kevin is N’laka’pamux from the Lytton
Twitter/Instagram: @franceskoncan First Nation in British Columbia. He was
appointed the inaugural Artistic Director
of Indigenous Theatre at the National
Sandra LaRonde Arts Centre of Canada in 2017. He’s a
Dance Ogichidas graduate of Studio 58, Langara College’s
– Moderator Professional Theatre Training Program.
He was an ensemble member and an
instructor at Full Circle First Nations
Performance: Ensemble Training Program.
A highly accomplished arts leader, creator, He’s an accomplished actor of the stage
and innovator, Sandra Laronde (Misko and screen as well as a voice actor for
Kizhigoo Migizii Kwe) which means “Red animation and narration. He’s also an
Sky Eagle Woman” in Anishinaabemowin award-winning playwright, and theatre
(Ojibway) language, has over 27 years of director and the founding Artistic Director
experience in the arts and culture sector. of Savage Production Society.
She is from the Teme-Augama-Anishinaabe
(People of the Deep Water) in Temagami,
northern Ontario. Sandra Laronde plays
a pivotal role in the ongoing Indigenous
cultural resurgence in Canada. For close
to three decades, she has created an
extraordinary body of work and inspired
programming with collaborators that has
led to powerful, transformational arts expe-
riences elevating the ecology of arts and
culture in this country while strengthening
20 THE BRIDGE: A FESTIVAL OF IDEASPARTICIPANTS
Cheri Maracle Dave McLeod
Excerpts from the Music of the Land
Stage – Guest – Host
Cheri Maracle is a multi-award nominat- David McLeod is a member of the Pine
ed actor/singer/songwriter from the Six Creek First Nation, with family roots
Nations of the Grand River Territory, also in the Métis village of Camperville,
Ontario. She has been performing in Manitoba. Since 2000, he’s been actively
Canada, the US and Europe in the last 20 involved within various stage productions
years. Cheri has released three critically and writing projects. He appeared in
acclaimed albums, Closer To Home (2006), the late Doug Nepinak’s Incident at Oka
If I Am Water (2013), and jazz compilation, Manitoba Stages during the Winnipeg
Ache of Love (2014). Cheri has many Fringe Festival as well as a CBC Radio
TV, film and stage credits to her name broadcast. He’s appeared in Shakespeare
including: Blackstone, DeGrassi, Murdoch In The Red which was staged at the Prairie
Mysteries, Four in the Morning, Dead Theatre Exchange. David also took to
Man’s Gun, Moccasin Flats and Blackfly, to the stage during the Winnipeg Comedy
name a few. Cheri has also co-hosted the Festival, once as a comedy troupe member
Indspire Awards (2007/2014/2017) televised and another performing a stand-up piece
on Global and was a featured actor/singer written by Darrell Dennis. His writing
in NFB documentary The Road Forward. has appeared in several anthologies,
She is a Gemini-nominated actress, and has including Let the Drum Be My Heartbeat,
been nominated twice for the KM Hunter Prairie Fire and Manitowapow: Aboriginal
theatre award for her body of theatre work. Writings from the Land of Water, as well as
Her one-woman musical theatre show several chapbooks. He was also involved in
Paddle Song, based on famed Canadian Winnipeg’s spoken word scene for several
poet Pauline Johnson, garnered her a best years, winning the Winnipeg Centennial
solo performance nomination, at the High Library’s inaugural spoken word contest.
Performance Rodeo Festival in Calgary, He enjoys bringing about a mixture of
2016, and was performed in Norway, and humour with political commentary.
India as well.
PIMOOTAYOWIN: A FESTIVAL OF NEW WORK – JUNE 8-12
The inaugural Pimootayowin Creators Circle is led by Governor General
Award-winning playwright Ian Ross, assisted by Katie German. Artists
Lynette Bonin, Jim Compton, Rosanna Deerchild, Kathleen MacLean,
David McLeod and Tracey Nepinak were each invited to develop a play
for the stage. Please join us for Pimootayowin: A Festival of New Work
from June 8-12.PARTICIPANTS
Monique Mojica Kent Monkman
Theatre Matriarchs In Conversation
– Panelist – Guest
Monique (Guna and Rappahannock Kent is an interdisciplinary Cree visual
nations) is an Actor/Playwright. Dedicated artist. A member of Fisher River Cree
to a theatrical practice as an act of healing, Nation in Treaty 5 Territory (Manitoba),
of reclaiming historical/cultural memory he lives and works in Dish With One
and of resistance. Spun from the family- Spoon Territory (Toronto). Known for his
web of Spiderwoman Theater (NY), her provocative interventions into Western
theatrical practice embraces her artistic European and American art history,
lineage through mining stories embedded Monkman explores themes of coloniza-
in the body in connection to land and tion, sexuality, loss, and resilience – the
place. Monique taught Indigenous Theatre complexities of historic and contemporary
in theory, process and practice at Brown Indigenous experiences – across painting,
University, University of Illinois, Institute of film/video, performance and installation.
American Indian Arts, McMaster University His gender-fluid alter ego Miss Chief Eagle
and is former co-director of the Centre Testickle often appears in his work as a
for Indigenous Theatre. She lectured time-traveling, shape-shifting, supernatu-
on land-based embodied research and ral being who reverses the colonial gaze
taught performance workshops throughout to challenge received notions of history
Canada, US, Latin America and Europe. and Indigenous peoples. His work has
Recent roles: Aunt Shadie in Marie been exhibited at institutions such as The
Clements’ The Unnatural and Accidental Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Denver
Women, the inaugural production of the Art Museum, Philbrook Museum of Art,
new Indigenous Theatre department Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art,
at NAC, with the NAC Orchestra in the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Montréal, Musée
European tour I lost my Talk as part of the d’art contemporain de Montréal, The Royal
Life Reflected series, Izzie M.: The Alchemy Ontario Museum, The National Gallery of
of Enfreakment written by Monique with a Canada, Hayward Gallery, Witte de With
diverse artistic collaborative team in Tara Centre for Contemporary Art, Musée
Beagan’s Honour Beat for TC. Upcoming: d’art Contemporain de Rochechouart,
dramaturg for Kaha:wi Dance Theatre’s Maison Rouge and Palais de Tokyo. He had
Sken:en created by Santee Smith. Founder two nationally touring solo exhibitions in
and Artistic Director of Chocolate Woman Canada – Shame and Prejudice: A Story of
Collective. Resilience (2017-2020) and The Triumph of
Mischief (2007-2010).
22 THE BRIDGE: A FESTIVAL OF IDEASPARTICIPANTS
In July 2019, they were recognized with
Dr. Julie Nagam the Order of Manitoba. Both have been
In Conversation appointed to a National Board for Climate
– Guest Change initiatives with federal government
and First Nation Representatives based in
Ottawa. They are Elders-in-Residence for
Dalnavert Museum, St. James Historical
Dr. Julie Nagam (Métis/German/Syrian) is a Museum and the National Medical Health
Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Arts, Lab. Both have traveled internationally as
Collaboration and Digital Media and is an Cultural Ambassadors to represent Canada
Associate Professor in the Department of in Brazil, Taiwan, Malaysia, Australia, New
Art History at the University of Winnipeg. Zealand and Santiago, Chile. Barb and
She is the inaugural Artistic Director for Clarence continue to work where they are
2020/21 for Nuit Blanche Toronto, the larg- needed.
est public exhibition in North America. Dr.
Nagam’s SSHRC research includes digital Tracey Nepinak
makerspaces and incubators, mentorship,
digital media and design, international Theatre Matriarchs
collaborations and place-based knowledge. – Panelist
As a scholar and artist she is interested
in revealing the ontology of land, which
contains memory, knowledge and living
histories. Dr. Nagam’s scholarship, curato- Tracey’s roots go back at least 6 gener-
rial and artistic practice has been featured ations in the Peguis First Nation family
nationally and internationally. She was photos. The daughter of a residential
the Concordia University and Massey school survivor, Tracey knows firsthand,
University (NZ) Scholar in Residence for that the fallout of flawed ideologies
2018/19, and will be the Terra Foundation imposed on children, can destroy fami-
Visiting Scholar at the University of lies. Tracey found her theatre voice,
Sydney (AUS) for 2021/22. Dr. Nagam is the quite by accident, when she stumbled
Director of Aabijijiwan New Media Lab and onto Vancouver’s, Spirit Song Native
Co-Director of Kishaadigeh Collaborative Theatre School and enrolled as a student.
Research Centre at the University of Shortly after graduating the 9 month
Winnipeg. intensive program, Tracey moved home to
Manitoba, and completed a BA Honours
degree. Tracey has worked professionally
Barb & Clarence since 1994. Recent theatre, film and direct-
Nepinak ing credits include: Dori in Katharsis (PTE);
Elders Director of Songide’ewin (Sarasvàti); Rose
in Burden of Truth (Eagle Vision).
Clarence and Barbara Nepinak are
members of Pine Creek First Nation. They
work tirelessly as cultural advisors for many
organizations and are Elders for the First
Peoples Investment Inc., which provides
training and developments opportunities
for First Nations and Métis organizations.
2021: ART & (RE)CONCILIATION 23PARTICIPANTS
Blood Memory, also came out in 2020. It
Murray Porter was a Globe and Mail top 100 Book of the
Music of the Land Year, a Quill & Quire Book of the Year,
– Guest and a Maclean’s 20 Books You Need to
Read this Winter selection. A sought-after
speaker and educator, Dave is a member
of the Norway House Cree Nation and
Blues Man Murray Porter’s music career currently lives in Winnipeg.
has taken him all over the world for the
last 40 years. He’s a proud Mohawk man Ian Ross
from Six Nations of the Grand River
Territory in southern Ontario, who now From Script to Stage
lives on Squamish Nation unceded territo- – Moderator
ry in North Vancouver. Murray may have a
blues soul to the core, but he also grew up
on rock and roll, R & B and country music.
Porter’s first CD since his 2012 JUNO Ian Ross was born in McCreary, Manitoba.
Award for ‘Aboriginal Album of the Year’ He calls the First Nation of Pinaymootang,
is titled, “STAND UP!” and reflects these the Métis community of Kinosota and the
early musical influences. He strongly feels city of Winnipeg, home. His play, fareWel,
that this album is some of his best music won the Governor General’s Award for
to date. This album was nominated at the English Drama in 1997. The Third Colour,
2019 Native American Music Awards for his most recent play received the Evie
‘Best Blues Recording’ and ‘Best Male Award for Best New Play of 2019. His
Artist of the Year’. One song, ‘Love Will commentaries as Joe from Winnipeg
Find A Way’, words by Elaine Bomberry on CBC radio and television, as well
and music by Murray Porter, charted at as NCI, were very popular. Ian has also
Number One, on the Indigenous Music been a drama instructor and educator
Countdown, the week of July 18, 2020. for several years and currently heads the
Pimootaywin Creators Circle at the Royal
Manitoba Theatre Centre. He continues to
David A. Robertson write and live in Winnipeg.
Acimowin (To tell
story) – Panelist
David A. Robertson is the author of
numerous books for young readers includ-
ing When We Were Alone, which won the
2017 Governor General’s Literary Award.
The Barren Grounds, the first book in the
middle-grade The Misewa Saga series,
received a starred review from Kirkus
and was a Kirkus and Quill & Quire best
middle-grade book of 2020, as well as a
USBBY and Texas Lone Star selection,
and is shortlisted for the Ontario Library
Association’s Silver Birch Award. His
memoir, Black Water: Family, Legacy, and
24 THE BRIDGE: A FESTIVAL OF IDEASPARTICIPANTS
bi-weekly columns in The Winnipeg Free
Senator Murray Press. In 2019 he won Peace Educator
Sinclair of the Year from the Peace and Justice
Keynote Speaker Studies Association based at Georgetown
University in Washington, DC. He is an
international media commentator as a
part of the “Power Panel” on CBC’s Power
Senator Murray Sinclair was a judge & Politics and National Affairs panel on
for 28 years, the first Indigenous judge CBC’s The Current. A collection of his
appointed in Manitoba and Canada’s award-winning columns called Winipek will
second. He served as Co-Chair of the be published with McClelland & Stewart in
Aboriginal Justice Inquiry in Manitoba Spring 2022.
and as Chief Commissioner of the Truth
and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Santee Smith
He has been invited to speak throughout
Canada, the United States and interna- Dance Ogichidas
tionally, including the Cambridge Lectures – Panelist
for members of the Judiciary of various
Commonwealth Courts in England and
served as an adjunct professor of law at
the University of Manitoba. He has won Santee Smith (Tekaronhiahkwa) is a
numerous awards, including the National multidisciplinary artist and producer from
Aboriginal Achievement Award, the the Kahnyen’kehàka Nation, Six Nations of
Manitoba Bar Association’s Equality Award the Grand River. She trained at Canada’s
(2001) and its Distinguished Service National Ballet School, completed Physical
Award (2016), and has received Honorary Education and Psychology degrees from
Doctorates from 14 Canadian universities. McMaster University and an MA in Dance
Senator Sinclair was appointed to the from York University. Santee premiered
Senate in 2016 and retired in January 2021 her inaugural work Kaha:wi in 2004 and
to work on his memoir entitled Who We later founded Kaha:wi Dance Theatre
Are – to be published with McClelland & which has grown into an internationally
Stewart in Fall 2022. renowned company. Her body of work
includes 14 productions and numerous
short works, collaborations and commis-
Dr. Niigaanwewidam sions for stage and TV. She is a sought-
Sinclair after teacher and speaker on Indigenous
Keynote Speaker performance and culture. Through
embodied storytelling, performance and
designing her work speaks to Indigenous
identity and continuance. Smith is the
Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair is 19th Chancellor of McMaster University.
Anishinaabe (St. Peter’s/Little Peguis) and kahawidance.org, @kahawidance,
an Associate Professor at the University of @santeesmith
Manitoba. He is an award-winning writer,
editor and activist who was named one
of Monocle Magazine’s “Canada’s Top 20
Most Influential People” and he won the
2018 Canadian columnist of the year at
the National Newspaper Awards for his
2021: ART & (RE)CONCILIATION 25PARTICIPANTS
Tasha Michelle Thrush
Spillett-Sumner Excerpts from the
Acimowin (To tell Stage – Guest
story) – Panelist
Tasha Spillett-Sumner (she/her) draws her Michelle Thrush is Nehiyaw (Cree) with
strength from both her Cree & Trinidadian French and Scottish intermingled, and was
bloodlines. She is a new mother, a cele- born and raised in Mohkinstis (Calgary).
brated educator, author, poet and emerg- Ms Thrush was recently appointed the
ing scholar. Tasha is most heart-tied to Artistic Director of Making Treaty 7
contributing to community-led work that Cultural Society and was a past co-direc-
centres land and water defence, and the tor and board member. Over 30 years
protection of Indigenous women and girls. of experience as an actor, writer and
In her work as a doctoral candidate, she is director in film, television and theatre.
weaving together her cultural identity, and Best known for her film work and her
commitment to community to produce a leading role as Gail Stoney in Blackstone.
body of research that amplifies Indigenous In 2011 she was honoured to receive a
women’s demands for justice for Missing Gemini Award for Best Performance by an
and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls Actress in a Continuing Leading Dramatic
and Two-Spirit People, and serves as a Role. Michelle spent the last few years
continuation of the resistance against the touring her solo show Inner Elder, which
assault of colonialism. premiered at the 2018 High Performance
Rodeo. She has been a steady force in the
Indigenous Arts community. It is hugely
Celeste Sutherland important, as the Artistic Director, to
Editor/Filmmaker create a safe place for artists to be vulner-
able and to become a community to each
other. Using an Indigenous-led process
will always be the strength of what makes
MT7 so successful. She’s also known for
Celeste Sutherland is an Indigenous her work in community across Canada with
illustrator and filmmaker from Opaskwayak youth and children, which is her greatest
Cree Nation. A recent graduate of Red passion. Her most important production to
River College’s Digital Media Design and date is her two beautiful daughters.
alumni of CBC’s New Indigenous Voices,
Celeste enjoys finding work in storytelling.
In 2019, she illustrated her first children’s
book called Kerri Berry Lynn, about a
young Indigenous girl with seven dogs.
In 2020, Celeste began her journey into
animation to bring more of her stories to
life.
26 THE BRIDGE: A FESTIVAL OF IDEASPARTICIPANTS
Katherena Vermette Jesse Wente
Acimowin (To tell In Conversation
story) – Panelist – Guest
Katherena Vermette is a Métis writer from Jesse Wente is an Anishinaabe writer,
Treaty 1 territory, the heart of the Métis broadcaster, speaker and arts leader.
nation, Winnipeg, Manitoba. Her first Born and raised in Toronto, and a member
book, North End Love Songs (The Muses’ of the Serpent River First Nation. Best
Company) won the Governor General’s known for 24 years as a columnist for CBC
Literary Award for Poetry. Her novel, The Radio’s Metro Morning, 11 years with the
Break (House of Anansi) was a bestseller Toronto International Film Festival, seven
in Canada and won multiple awards and years as director of film programmes
nominations. She is also the author of at the TIFF Bell Lightbox. An outspo-
the picture book The Girl and The Wolf ken advocate for Indigenous rights and
(Theytus), the graphic novel series A First Nations, Métis and Inuit art. He
Girl Called Echo (Highwater Press), and has spoken at the International Forum
co-wrote and co-directed the Canadian of Indigenous Peoples, Smithsonian’s
Screen Award-winning short doc, this river National Museum of the American Indian,
(NFB). Vermette lives with her family in a the Canadian Arts Summit, the Cultural
cranky old house within skipping distance Summit of the Americas, and many univer-
of the temperamental Red River. sities and colleges. Served on the board
of directors of the Toronto Arts Council,
The ImagineNative Film and Media
Festival and Native Earth Performing Arts.
Appointed Chair of the Canada Council
for the Arts (only First Nations person
to hold the position). Currently finish-
ing his first book for Penguin Random
House Canada. First Executive Director
of the Indigenous Screen Office in 2018.
Playback Magazine’s trailblazer of the
year for 2020, included on Maclean’s 2020
Power List and Toronto Life’s 2020 list of
the most influential Torontonians.
2021: ART & (RE)CONCILIATION 27PARTICIPANTS
Kim Wheeler Kenneth T. Williams
Curator From Script to Stage
– Panelist
Kim Wheeler has brought positive Kenneth T. Williams’ professional path is
Indigenous stories to mainstream and a “guidance counselor’s nightmare.” He’s
Indigenous media since 1993. She has been a soldier, bartender, rock musician,
carved out a career as a writer, publicist and door-to-door encyclopedia salesman.
and producer across a variety of disciplines. As a journalist, he was a member of the
Her audio work has been recognized by very first news team for the Aboriginal
the New York Festivals, ImagineNative, Peoples Television Network. Along the
Indigenous Music Awards and Prix Italia. way, he’s had several plays produced on
Currently, Kim works from her treehouse Canada’s stages and dramaturged many
media office with multiple clients in publici- others from emerging playwrights. His
ty, magazines, film and podcasts. newest plays, Paris SK, Miranda and The
Herd, were presented in various media on
the internet. He lives in Edmonton with his
partner, Dr. Melissa Stoops, with their cats,
Augustus and Drusilla, and is a profes-
sor in the Department of Drama at the
University of Alberta. He is a member of
the George Gordon First Nation in Treaty
4 territory.
28 THE BRIDGE: A FESTIVAL OF IDEASResources In 2009, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) began a multi-year process to listen to Survivors, communities and others affected by the Residential School system. Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: trc.ca In 2015, the TRC released their 93 Calls to Action (nctr.ca/assets/reports/Calls_to_ Action_English2.pdf), and transferred their work and collection of statements and documents to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR), located at the University of Manitoba. The NCTR continues to work with communities to help save and preserve their Residential School experiences through statements and any form of remembrance or act of healing. National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation: nctr.ca Legacy of Hope Foundation: legacyofhope.ca Winnipeg Public Library - Residential Schools Info Guide: guides.wpl.winnipeg.ca/residentialschools/about 135 videos of people reading the TRC Report: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxPr_RIsvg9JJWoiRx2kl2v24r_pu7JbR “100 Years of Loss” timeline: guides.wpl.winnipeg.ca/ld.php?content_id=27390316 2021: ART & (RE)CONCILIATION 29
Livestreamed
Production Sunday, March 21 at 2pm
A production by Bound to Create
Presented in association with Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre
ISITWENDAM (AN UNDERSTANDING)
Writen and performed by Meegwun Fairbrother
Co-created and directed by Jack Grinhaus
Artistic Collaborator / Producer............................. Lauren Brotman
Lighting Designer.......................................................... Melissa Joakim
Production Coordinator.................................................... Sarah Koehn
Sound Designer........................................................... Marc Meriläinen
Projection Designer........................................................Andrew Moro
Production Manager........................................................ Carla Ritchie
Movement Coach............................................................ Carlos Rivera
Set Designer.................................................................... Hans Saefkow
The development of Isitwendam was supported in part by Native Earth
Performing Arts and premiered in their 2018/19 season.
Isitwendam was workshopped at Theatre Northwest as part of their Innovation Series in their
2016/17 season and presented at TNW and the Full Circle Talking Stick Festival in 2020.
Isitwendam is a full-length play that will be presented live from
Royal MTC’s Tom Hendry Warehouse Digital Studio.
30 THE BRIDGE: A FESTIVAL OF IDEASPHOTOS BY JOE BUCCI “Both chilling and heartbreaking… A piece of theatre that is full of forgiveness, compassion, understanding, and grace. A terrific piece of theatre.” — SLOTKIN LETTER Isitwendam (An Understanding) is the story of a young man in search of a truth, whose journey leads to a discovery about the father he loathed and lost, and an awakening of himself and his generation. A fusion of western and Indigenous storytelling that includes Plains Indigenous Sign Language, drumming, ceremony, and song, this powerful, heartwrenching, yet humorous theatrical production explores various perspectives of atrocity and the steps we all need to take to find Isitwendam. 2021: ART & (RE)CONCILIATION 31
ISITWENDAM
Dora Nominations); Hedda Noir, Million
Meegwun Dollar Quartet, Alice in Wonderland,
Fairbrother Half Life, The Secret Mask (Theatre
Writer / Performer Northwest); ART (Persephone Theatre/
SAT Nomination Outstanding Direction);
dirty butterfly (Obsidian Theatre/B2C);
Phaedra’s Lust (Tapestry New Opera/
Meegwun Fairbrother is of Ojibway and B2C); Macbeth (Classical Theatre Project).
Scottish origin, from Grassy Narrows
First Nation and Toronto, Ontario. He Lauren Brotman
is a traditional singer and a Northern
traditional dancer with a BFA in acting Artistic Collaborator
from York University. Recent theatre / Producer / B2C Co-
credits: Isitwendam (An Understanding) Artistic Director
(Native Earth Performing Arts); Incident
at Vichy (Soulpepper); and Dreary and
Izzy (Magnus Theatre). Recent film credits: Lauren is an award-winning actor, creator,
CBC’s Burden of Truth; CTV’s Carter facilitator. For B2C: has created/performed
Files; APTN’s Mohawk Girls; and Syfy or produced since 2004. Associations
series Helix. In 2020 Meegwun took his include Phaedra’s Lust (Tapestry Opera);
Dora-nominated solo show Isitwendam (An dirty butterfly (Obsidian); Isitwendam (An
Understanding) to Talking Stick Festival Understanding) (Native Earth Performing
after a successful premiere in Toronto in Arts/Theatre Northwest/Talking Stick/
2019. Meegwun lives in Winnipeg where multi-Dora nominated). While Associate
he continues to act and write for film and Artist at TNW she performed in 4 seasons
television. He is honoured and excited to including in Hedda Noir (Artist of the
share this show with Treaty 1 Territory. Year) and created Painting the Streets and
ShakespeareUnfolded. Lauren received a
Dora Award for Outstanding Ensemble,
Jack Grinhaus a Dora nomination for The Grace Project
Co-creator / Director created with Judith Thompson, the Jessica
/ B2C Co-Artistic Fraser Award (Outstanding Contributions
Director to TYA) and the Christopher Plummer
Fellowship Award. She recently completed
her short film Elle’s Valley and her play
Jack is an award-winning actor and She Carries Me Again (upcoming work-
director who has also worked in vari- shop). Gratitude to Royal MTC and the
ous streams as producer, designer, and Istiwendam team. boundtocreate.com
writer for theatre, TV and film. He was the
Artistic Director for the Canadian regional
theatre Theatre NorthWest (2014-2019),
was part of the 2010 Canadian Stage
BASH Directors Residency as well as the
inaugural Director’s Lab North at Tarragon
Theatre. With over 40 plays produced and
over half directed, he is one of Canada’s
most prolific artists. Recent Credits
include: Isitwendam (An Understanding)
(Native Earth Performing Arts/B2C/Four
32 THE BRIDGE: A FESTIVAL OF IDEASYou can also read
